Career tech center, library open at Santana High School

Local and state bond issues paid for $2.8 million project

SANTEE  With one swift snip of a satiny purple and yellow ribbon, Santana High School Principal Tim Schwuchow formally dedicated the new library and career technical education (CTE) building Nov. 16. The modernizations were some of the most significant in the Santee campus’ 46-year history and a boon to the school’s project-based curriculum.

Patrick Ainsworth, assistant superintendent of the California Department of Education’s Career & College Transition Division, attended the morning ceremony as did trustees of the Grossmont Union High School District, students, staff and community business leaders. Several spoke of a promise fulfilled to voters who supported local Proposition U and statewide Proposition 1D that paid for the $2.8 million improvement project.

“I have chills because my dream is right here,” said Ainsworth, who came from Sacramento to tour the new buildings and speak to guests. “This is the best CTE facility I’ve seen in the entire state.

“It’s a beautiful building, a teaching building,” he said. “We are giving students a vision of their future by tying their education to a career.”

The San Diego architectural firm of Harley Ellis Devereaux designed the project. Construction of Building 800 began in 2009 and was completed in March 2010. Construction of the library began in June and was completed shortly after school began in September.

Modernizing Santana’s Building 800, which houses the Renewable Resources & Sustainable Living Program, included stripping the 18,000-square-foot structure down to its framing, installing a cool roof to improve energy efficiency, replacing all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, upgrading Internet capabilities, and adding skylights, a shade canopy, and an elevator. Students now have cutting edge classrooms, observation areas and equipment to pursue courses in alternative energy, architectural design, and engineering principals, among other subjects.

The library also got a much-needed face-lift, including new indoor and outdoor class areas, a soundproof glass partition separating the computer lab from the rest of the library, 500 square feet added to the existing 6,800-square-foot footprint, and an elegant curved sound-absorbent wooden ceiling. The library meets Title 24 Energy Standards for energy conservation.

“These buildings are great examples of the things happening on all of our campuses,” said Grossmont Superintendent Ralf Swenson.